PARK TWP. — Ottawa County is gearing up for a week of family fun, grandstand events and giveaways with the 65th annual Ottawa County Fair right around the corner.
The fair runs Monday-Saturday, July 22-27, at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 1286 Ottawa Beach Road in Holland. Gates open at 3 p.m. Monday and 8:30 a.m. every other day.
How much does it cost to attend the fair?
Admission is $5 for fairgoers 13 and older, while those 12 and under get in free. Families and groups can take advantage of Carload Wednesday, where admission will be just $10 for a car, truck or van of attendees.
What are the grandstand events this year?
- Monday, July 22: USA Demo Derby Figure 8 Racing Night of Destruction (7:30 p.m.)
- Wednesday, July 24: Elliott’s Monster Truck Throwdown, followed by fireworks (7 p.m.)
- Thursday, July 25: SJO SuperCross (7 p.m.)
- Friday, July 26: DeWayne Spaw and Super Kicker Rodeo (7 p.m.)
- Saturday, July 27: Ottawa County Fair Mud Runs (6 p.m.)
Ticket prices vary by event, ranging from $8-10 for adults and $4-10 for children ages 3-10. Grandstand tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth on the day of the event.
When are carnival hours?
The carnival is open 2-10 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 2-11 p.m. Friday; and 1-11 p.m. Saturday. Wristbands for unlimited rides purchased at the fair are $25 per day, with the exception of Kids Day on Tuesday, when they are $18.
Elliott’s Amusements is providing carnival rides and games. To purchase wristbands ahead of time, for $18 per day, visit elliottsamusements.com/events/11.
What are this year's special event days?
- Tuesday, July 23: Kids’ Day. Along with discounted ride wristbands ($18), special children’s activities will be held throughout the day in the Community Tent. They include comedy and magic shows, story time with Herrick District Library, a bike giveaway and a poster contest.
- Wednesday, July 24: Senior Day. Seniors can enjoy activities from Ottawa County Parks, Rest Haven, Inter-Med and Evergreen Commons from 1-4 p.m. in the Community Tent. Other events include Russ’ pie and Dairy Dayz ice cream, bingo, a classic car show and Elvis tribute shows at 1:30 and 5 p.m.
- Thursday, July 25: Military, Police and Firefighter Appreciation Day. Service personnel and first responders get free admission with their uniform or appropriate ID. Russ’ Pie and Dairy Dayz ice cream for the group will take place at 2 p.m. under the grandstands.
- Friday, July 26: Western Day. Dress the part for line dancing in the Bill Boss Building from 5:30-7 p.m. before enjoying the rodeo and musical stylings of DeWayne Spaw in the grandstands.
When are the big 4-H events?
The 4-H auction will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 25. Events showcasing different animals will be held throughout the week.
Monday, July 22, will feature a goat and lamb show at 3 p.m. Tuesday will feature a dairy show at 8:30 a.m., a rabbit show at 9 a.m., a feeder calf show at 1 p.m., a poultry show at 2 p.m. and a steer show at 4 p.m.
The horse show is at 8 a.m. Wednesday, followed by a cat show at 10 a.m. and the hog show at 2 p.m. Thursday will feature the dog show at 8:30 a.m. ahead of the 4 p.m. auction.
A goat show is set for 9 a.m. Friday and there will be a donkey show at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Giveaways and More Events
In recognition of the fair’s 65th Anniversary, the fair is giving away a 65” TV to one lucky attendee every day of the fair.
Everyone 18 and older will be given a ticket to that night’s drawing. Entrants can write their name and contact information on the ticket and deposit it in a container under the grandstand. Entries are limited to once per day.
A winner will be selected each night before the grandstand event. All TVs must be picked up prior to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 27. Winners will be announced at the fair and contacted by text or email.
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A beer tent will be open each day until 11 p.m. The tent opens at 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and at 4 p.m. Saturday.
There will be live music in the Community Tent from 5-7 p.m. each night, leading up to the grandstand events. Additionally, the Park Theatre will host an open mic session from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
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